Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.
If you look at the metric of performance versus price, ‘lesser’ models slotted just top under the top-trim cars, like the Porsche 911 GT3 or BMW M2, start to make a lot more sense. With the M235i, you get similar performance to the M2 but a softer ride more suited for everyday driving. The base 911 isn’t not exactly a slug of a car either. The same can be said comparing the R32 Skyline GT-R and the GTS-T Type M that lives in Godzilla’s shadow. It’s understated, yet the GTS-T Type M can still hustle around a corner with high strung force. And while the world clamors for and drools over the legendary GT-R, you can have a GTS-T Type M for considerably less money and still come away with one hell of a vintage Japanese performance car.
What We Like: For an imported Japanese sports car from 1993 this R32 Nissan Skyline GTS-T Type M is in unbelievable shape and at $13,995 it’s a bargain compared to its bigger brother, the GT-R. The GTS-T Type M makes do with rear-wheel drive and is down around 60 horsepower compared to the AWD GT-R (the GTS-T also weighs 300 lbs less), but that might be what makes it a better car for the money. Are all the GT-R badges, marginal bump in power and weight worth a price tag twice as large? I doubt it.
From the Seller: “The exterior has been kept completely stock and unmodified. The updated front bumper, grille and corner lights are a nice improvement over the original design and the factory optional fog lights look great. The black chrome on the grille does show some wear from age, however, and the paint and body are both in excellent condition with no major damage, dents or dings. The OEM rear spoiler gives the car a slightly more aggressive look while still being understated.”
Watch Out For: One glaring problem that may or may not be a deal breaker is the right-hand steering set up. If you’ve never driven an RHD car before, not to mention on US roads, it’s a major change. As for reliability, the car is completely stock including the replacement parts from maintenance upkeep performed by Japanese Classics, which includes four new tires and a new intake manifold gasket.
Engine: 2.0-liter turbi inline-six
Transmission: five-speed manual
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Mileage: 109,000
